RICHMOND, VA -- CRH Catering, a full-line vending company based in Connellsville, PA, has been awarded the vending contract at Virginia highway rest areas.

CRH will reportedly pay the Virginia Department of Transportation about $2 million a year for vending and advertising rights at the state's 42 rest areas and welcome centers. The initial contract is for three years, with an option to renew for up to four years. The transportation agency will receive a share of the revenue.

Virginia's transportation department began soliciting bids for vending concessions in March as part of an initiative through which private companies manage vending, advertising and other amenities at state rest areas and welcome centers to defray the costs of self-operating. | SEE STORY

A year ago, Gov. Bob McDonnell reopened the last 19 rest areas across the state that had been closed in late 2009 by his predecessor, Gov. Tim Kaine, in a budget-cutting move.

CRH, which already provides limited vending services at 30 Virginia rest stops, said it will expand its food and beverage offerings, and add Virginia-themed souvenirs and on-the-road essentials to its machines. The vending company will also take on several business partners. They include SPC (Woodstock, VA), an ATM provider; sponsorship and marketing manager Travelers Marketing (Wellesley, MA); and HI Media (Ashland, VA), which will supply and manage touchscreen information kiosks.

CRH has 120 days to implement the program. The company also manages vending and advertising at some rest areas in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.